Page 47 of Falling for You
For the rest of her shift, CeCe’s head was elsewhere, torn between her Eric concerns and her impending dinner plans. Usually she would jump at the chance to try a new restaurant in the city. But none of this felt normal. There were too many similarities to her life with Eric at places like Denim. The snobby chef making rounds, the overpriced drinks and complicated menus; it was all too much for her.
But when she turned around and saw Evan’s hopeful expression, she knew she needed to go. She needed to do this for him. Evan had begged CeCe to go out more, to be a couple outside the confines of her kitchen, or his living room forts. If they were really doing this, really being a couple, she needed to up her girlfriend game. And there was no better time to start than tonight.
*
“So what did you dowrong?” Mallory asked Evan from the couch, an open bottle of beer in one hand. A muted cooking show danced on the screen. It was one of Eric Watson’s shows. Evan had been secretly watching Eric cook, hoping to absorb his secrets in the kitchen. Evan wanted to win, badly.
But even with all his thoughts about the competition, he knew something was up with CeCe. Despite their nights together, always spent cuddling or cooking, he could see a tension behind her eyes. He’d been working with her for over a year, and since they met, he had become an expert on her moods.
“What makes you think I did something wrong?” he asked, adjusting his tie in front of the hallway mirror.
Mallory took a swig from her beer and scoffed. “Because you’re a man, and men are idiots.” She looked briefly at her brother as he slicked back his hair and triple-checked his reflection. “Well, not all men. I know you’re trying your best. But at the end of the day, you are likely to completely ruin things with CeCe.”
“Your faith in me is astounding,” Evan deadpanned. He’d given up the hunt for the perfect outfit and settled for dark-wash jeans and a navy button-up shirt that made his eyes pop. CeCe had commented on his eyes before, and he was hoping the shirt would make her smile. Even thinking about her made his lips curve upward.
Mallory finished her beer and padded into the kitchen. She was supposed to be on-call for third shift tonight. But with a coworker offering to work a double, she was now stranded at Evan’s place with nothing to do. He’d offered his place for the night, especially since he was meeting Natalie and Anthony at CeCe’s. “If you think CeCe is so upset,” Mallory continued, “why don’t you ask her what’s bothering her?”
Evan raked his hand through his hair another time to make sure his cowlick cooperated. “Believe it or not, I tried that. A lot. She said she was fine.”
Mallory opened the fridge and rummaged around until she found a bowl of chili. Evan had been saving that for later, but Mallory covered it in cheese and popped it in the microwave. Got to love siblings and their lack of boundaries. Mallory punched some buttons on the microwave, turned, and hopped up on the counter to face her brother.
“Are you sure something is actually wrong? I know you’re worried about everything with Mom and Dad and that disaster that was family dinner. Could you be projecting?”
“All right, Dr. Phil.” Evan held his hands up in surrender. “I didn’t realize you’d be eating my leftoversandgiving me a therapy session.”
Right on time, the microwave dinged and Mallory stuck her tongue out at her brother. “Yeah, yeah. You’re just pissed that you’re messing up a good thing with CeCe.”
“I’m not messing things up with her,” Evan insisted. He stalked over to the closet and pulled down his jacket before turning back and meeting his sister’s eye. “Am I?”
Mallory sighed and put her chili down before coming over and giving her brother a hug. “First of all, the fact that you’re this worried is a good sign. Most men don’t even care when they’re crapping the bed.”
Evan frowned. “You really need to work on your metaphors, Mal.”
“Good thing I’m a nurse and not a novelist. Would you pay attention, please?” She put her hands on her hips and gave him a look that would make lesser men whither, but Evan was very familiar with that particular stare. It’s the same one that Sophie and Emily perfected, and Mallory was on her way to mastering it herself. “Talk to her, okay? Make sure she knows you actuallywantto know what she’s thinking.”
“But I told her that, at least a million times.”
Mallory stared him down before Evan felt his toes curl in his shoes. Damn, maybe Mallory had mastered the look already. “Just keep talking, Ev. Even if it takes a million and one times. Whenever CeCe is ready to talk, she’ll talk.” For once, Evan let Mallory have the last word. Besides, the clock on the microwave showed he needed to leave. He hopped in his car and was at CeCe’s place in the nick of time.
CeCe sat on her stoop, clad in a sweater dress and navy stockings. “I didn’t realize we’d match.” She laughed as she kissed his cheek. “You know Nat will think we planned this.”
Evan savored the feeling of CeCe in his arms, smelled the warm vanilla scent on her skin.
The sound of crunching gravel alerted them to Anthony and Natalie’s arrival. Evan turned and saw the huge white SUV pull to a stop behind his car. Not for the first time, he hoped CeCe didn’t see his old car and want something bigger, better. He had plans for himself, and for her. That old car wouldn’t be his ride forever.
“Good evening,” Anthony greeted from the driver’s seat.
Evan thanked his lucky stars he had picked the outfit he did, otherwise he’d look like a goober. He wasn’t sure where the mayor shopped for clothes, but he doubted it was the same thrift shops he frequented.
Natalie swiveled in her seat and reached out to take CeCe’s hand. Once she was done greeting her friend, she took Evan’s hand and shook it, their elbows bent at awkward angles. “I’m so glad we’re finally going out together. I’m so excited.”
Evan could tell from Anthony’s expression that he was anything but excited, but he managed to keep the conversation going about Buckeye Falls and general sports knowledge until they arrived in Columbus. Evan felt like he was holding his own in the conversation, but as they were seated, Anthony turned the tables. “So tell me, Evan. What do you think of the mess the market is in right now?”
Busy studying the menu, Evan missed the question. His gaze kept snagging on the triple-digit options in front of him. Thank goodness he was a good saver. He’d be damned if CeCe paid for her own $100 steak.
Not sensing Evan’s internal calculations, Anthony repeated his question about the market. “Oh, the market?” Evan had to blink and get back in the present. “I think they could stand to expand now that the shop next door closed. If they carried more of the essentials, then no one would need to drive to the big box stores outside of town.”
Everyone turned to stare at Evan, who suddenly felt on display. CeCe whispered, “I think Anthony meant the stock market.”
